CHTA Leadership Supports Reestablishment of St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the tourism sector of St. Kitts and Nevis by actively supporting the revitalization of the St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (SKNHTA). This initiative underscores the importance of a unified and robust local tourism association in driving sustainable growth and development within the industry. The CHTA’s involvement signals a concerted effort to foster collaboration, strengthen industry representation, and enhance the competitiveness of the twin-island federation’s tourism product. This collaborative approach is expected to bring numerous benefits to the local tourism sector, including improved advocacy, enhanced training opportunities, broader regional networking, increased marketing support, and more effective crisis management.

The impetus for this revitalization effort stems from a strategic visit by CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma and CHTA President Sanovnik Destang to St. Kitts and Nevis. The visit, initiated by St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) CEO Kelly Fontenelle, aimed to explore strategies for rebuilding the SKNHTA into a more effective and representative body. Recognizing the vital role a strong local association plays in shaping a resilient and competitive tourism industry, Fontenelle proactively sought the expertise and support of the CHTA. The collaborative discussions held during the visit focused on key areas crucial for the success of the local tourism industry, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action among stakeholders.

The CHTA leadership engaged with a select group of hospitality professionals, including Royal St. Kitts Hotel General Manager Darren Thompson, who has been instrumental in sustaining the SKNHTA during its transitional phase. The discussions highlighted the importance of a unified voice from the private sector to effectively advocate for the needs of the industry and influence positive change. Thompson stressed the inherent strength of the hospitality and tourism industry when stakeholders work together, emphasizing the collective power to achieve meaningful progress and drive the industry forward. This collaborative approach, he argued, is essential for influencing policy, addressing challenges, and maximizing opportunities for growth.

Fontenelle underscored the critical role of a vibrant and well-supported hotel and tourism association, describing it as the “heartbeat” of a thriving destination. By uniting under the SKNHTA banner, she argued, the industry can effectively advocate for its needs, capitalize on regional opportunities, and create a more cohesive and competitive tourism product for St. Kitts and Nevis. A strong association, she emphasized, provides a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, address common challenges, and collectively work towards a common vision for the future of the industry. This unified approach is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the tourism sector in the twin-island federation.

CHTA President Sanovnik Destang expressed his optimism for the future of tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis, highlighting the unique appeal of the two islands and their vast potential. He stressed the increasing importance of a unified voice for the hospitality and tourism private sector, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes. A strong hospitality and tourism association, he emphasized, provides the necessary platform for this unified voice, allowing the industry to effectively navigate challenges, advocate for its interests, and seize emerging opportunities. The CHTA, he reaffirmed, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the revitalization of the SKNHTA and fostering the growth of the tourism sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The visit by the CHTA leadership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the local tourism ecosystem in St. Kitts and Nevis. The collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, the Nevis Tourism Authority, and private sector partners, encourages active participation from all tourism stakeholders in shaping the future of the industry. By joining and supporting the revitalized SKNHTA, stakeholders can contribute to the development of a more robust, resilient, and competitive tourism sector. This collective effort aims to position St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier destination in the Caribbean, attracting more visitors and driving economic growth. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to contact Darren Thompson for information on joining or supporting the association, further solidifying the collaborative approach to strengthening the tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.